Royal Yacht Britannia

Visit The Royal Yacht Britannia, now berthed in Edinburgh's historic port of Leith.

Visit The Royal Yacht Britannia, now berthed in Edinburgh's historic port of Leith. The experience starts in the Visitor Centre where you can discover Britannia's fascinating story. Then step aboard for a self-led audio tour (available in 17 languages) which takes you around five decks, giving a unique insight into what life was like for the Royal Family, Officers and Yachtsmen.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the world's most famous ships. Launched at John Brown's Shipyard in Clydebank in 1953, the Royal Yacht proudly served Queen and country for forty-four years. During that time Britannia carried The Queen and the Royal Family on 968 official voyages, from the remotest regions of the South Seas to the deepest divides of Antarctica.

At the beginning of January 1997, Britannia set sail from Portsmouth to Hong Kong on her last and longest voyage. On 11 December 1997 Britannia was decommissioned at Portsmouth Naval Base in the presence of The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and fourteen senior members of The Royal Family.

Four months later, after intense competition from cities around the UK, the Government announced that Edinburgh was successful in its bid to become Britannia's new home. She is now owned by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, a charitable organisation whose sole remit is the maintenance of Britannia in keeping with her former role. Britannia is now permanently moored in Edinburgh's historic port of Leith and visitors can step on board the ship that was once home to the world's most famous family.